Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy beneficial for patients with ME/CFS?

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Amsterdam UMC and King's College London, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a promising treatment for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The analysis, which encompassed data from trials involving nearly 1,300 patients, demonstrated that CBT resulted in a reduction in fatigue and physical limitations, offering newfound hope to individuals living with this debilitating condition.

The researchers set out to determine which patients would benefit from CBT, and the results provided valuable insights.

Importantly, the study revealed that CBT could be beneficial to patients with varying symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. Regardless of the specific symptoms experienced or the method of diagnosis, CBT demonstrated its potential to help patients. However, the degree of benefit varied among patients. Younger individuals, those with less functional impairment, and those who remained relatively active experienced greater advantages from CBT.

These findings challenge prior guidelines, notably those published in 2021 by the British National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).The current study reveals that CBT can be effective for patients with PEM and those diagnosed using various case definitions.

Reference: AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTERS, JOURNAL: Psychological Medicine